The 2018 event took place Sunday, July 15 at 8 AM. It was overcast, temps in upper 70's with high humidity.

Registration: A form was available online to print and submit via mail. Or you could register on race day. Cost was around $20, shirts were guaranteed by a certain time and available first come first serve on race day. The were short sleeve, unisex, cotton.

Packet pick-up: Bibs and shirts could be picked up the morning of the race.

Pre-race: There was parking available near the start/finish for free at the fairgrounds. Real bathrooms were available in a nearby building. The race started promptly after some announcements. Including a note that younger kids needed to move at least 3 rows from the starting line.

Race /Course: An out and back starting at the county fairgrounds
-Terrain: Paved and gravel, railroad crossing
-Scenery: Rural small Iowa town.
-Course Markings: The course had signs set up at every turn, easy to navigate. I believe there were mile makers.
-Spectators: A few people were out and about, lots of empty chairs as people were saving spots for a parade later that day
-Aid Station: Water on course
-Volunteers: plenty and always felt safe on the course
-Photography: There was a photographer at the start / finish area. Photos are posted for free on the race club's website
-Elevation: flat, no hills

Finish / post race: There was no timing system except the giant clock at the finish line. A volunteer handed everyone a stick with a number, which is turned in to determine your placing. There were bananas and water available.

Awards were held after the kids races. Overall winners also received AG awards.

Overall: There are no frills, easy course, simple registration. If you are fast you also might win some money!

My Race: I just like to run all the races. My 5k goal is always sub 30, I really thought I had a chance at an AG award based on the size of the field. I gave it my all, but the humidity sucked the life out of me and I wore the wrong hat. I did come in with a time of 28:45, which put my 2nd in my AG.

The 2018 event took place on Saturday July 7. It was a perfect summer day, sunny and temps around 60 to start, warming up as the day went on. There were 3 events; 56k started at 8 AM, the 28k at 8:20 and waves of the 14k at 8:40. One loop of the course is 14k.

Registration: Available online starting near $80 Canadian, and the price tier increased based on number of registrants. Race day registration for around $100. Included with registration was a short sleeve, gender specific cotton shirt, each race had a different color with the same logo. The back of the bib had a timing strip.

Packet Pick Up /Expo: There was no expo. You could pick up your bib the morning of the race only.

The Limberlost area offered camping the evening before the event.

Pre-race: Participants were encouraged to carpool as the grass parking is crammed. Lots of port-o-potties on site with hand washing stations. There is a "meeting" before the race.

Race / Course: looped trail around the Limberlost Reserve.
-Elevation: Constantly going up or down, for 3 loops a total elevation gain of 3,507 according to my watch
-Terrain: Trail which included a short gravel section, spongy wooded areas, tree roots, mud, boulders, grass and boardwalk. Lots of single track, some areas were crowded for passing.
-Scenery: GORGEOUS!!!!! The majority of the race is on wooded trail around lakes. Each loop appeared to look different with the changing sunlight
-Aid Stations: There were 2 stations on the course and a stop at the start/finish line. Each stop had water and Heed.There were a variety of snacks including watermelon, cookies, pretzels and bowls of salt! There were lots of energetic volunteers at all the stops.
-Course Markings: Each kn was marked with a sign and the course was marked with orange flags in the ground. As the day went you foot traffic made the trail obvious.
-Volunteers: They were at the aid stations, no need for them on other parts of the course.
-There were port - o- potties at the aid stations.
-Spectators: they were in the form of other participants and volunteers as the reserve is remote.
-Photography: There was a photographer on the course in one spot, but had to pass through at the time they were set up.

Finish / post race: After being welcomed to the finish line, a volunteer placed a medal around your neck. The finish area food was under a big tent, there was a buffet of homemade salads, apples, chicken on the grill, bread and a tub of cold water and soft drinks. There were tables and places to sit and enjoy your food and watch people finish. If you wanted you could walk over to the lake and jump in.

Overall: Great trail race!! The price is awesome if you convert to US dollars. This is not a beginner trail event, the views are awesome. The only issue I have is having the speedy runners start later, making it hard to run the trails because they needed to pass. I enjoyed the race and would add it to your list.

My race: Where do I begin? I am not a new trail runner, I am maybe an inexperienced trail runner. The trails I have in my area do not compare to what I ran during this event. I was nervous headed into this one, I was attempting to run my longest event yet, a 56k. After experiencing a near anxiety attack on the first loop with the unfamiliarity of the terrain and the "worry" about the faster runners who started after me trying to pass me, II wanted to quit after the second loop. As luck would have it and in most trail events, I ended up chatting with someone on course and I was starting to feel better about myself and started to enjoy it. I then was up against the time. I needed to be done with my 3rd loop by 3:30 pm. I had done the math and was watching my watch after each loop, I was getting slower, and when I started the 3rd loop, I knew there was no way I would be able to start the 4th loop.

I ended up hanging with some other women for the majority of my 3rd loop, who were also up against the clock. They were optimistic, and I just didn't want to be too far alone out there. I made sure to take pictures and just take it all in, every muddy hole, every steep climb and all the views of the lake.

Each kilometer started to feel longer, but another guy and I passed the women and we went ahead and started to chat. Seriously trails are the best, the community is just awesome. Then just like that is was time to run the last kilometer - the longest one ever!!! I even did some actual running too.

When the lady at the finish line put the medal around my neck, I made sure to tell her I did not complete my race. I set out for 56k and only completed 42 - a marathon distance. The woman didn't care and made sure I kept my medal. Also, the shorter distance races received the same medal, so I didn't feel too guilty.

So yes, I DNF'd. However, I am not pouting, I am proud. I wanted to quit and I didn't. I forged on and did what I could. I am disappointed that I did not get all 4 loops, but sometimes it's more about the journey itself than the finish line.

The 2018 event took place Saturday, July 21 at 7:30 AM. It was overcast, temps in upper 60's with high humidity. The 5k and one mile event were run at the same time.

Registration: A form was available online to print and submit via mail. (can't recall if there was online registration.) Or you could register on race day. Cost was around $20, shirts were guaranteed by a certain time and available first come first serve on race day. The were short sleeve, unisex, cotton.

Packet pick-up: Bibs and shirts could be picked up the morning of the race.

Pre-race: There was parking available near the start/finish for free at the nearby rec complex. Port-o-potties were available. The race start seemed delayed as announcements were stumbled through and the National Anthem was sung.

Race /Course: A route through town
-Terrain: Paved and chip n seal
-Scenery: Rural small Iowa town.
-Course Markings: The course had signs set up at every turn, easy to navigate. I believe there were mile markers.
-Spectators: A few people were out and about, lots of empty chairs as people were saving spots for a parade later that day
-Aid Station: Water on course
-Volunteers: plenty and always felt safe on the course
-Photography: No photographers
-Elevation: While there are no mountainous climbs, I think every hill in town was on the course

Finish / post race: There was a giant clock at the finish and lots of people standing around, only because this is where the food and water was located. There were bananas, watermelon and granola bars, in addition to ice cold bottles of water. Results were posted as they became available. A table of random prizes awarded by raffle was nearby.

Awards were held after the race. Prizes to overall and age groups.

Overall: The event has been a tradition of this small town celebration for years. It still keeps it small town charm while drawing a speedy crowd. The price is competitive, but I wish they would move into the world of non white cotton shirts.

My Race: I had an open weekend, so I thought I would run on the nearby trail before and after the race, sadly the trail was closed, so I just ran a mile before and after. My 5k goal is always sub 30, and in a smaller community race I always look at the competition and think I can place in my AG. This course had more hills than I could remember and my 28 something time wasn't even close to place in my AG as the winner finished in 18 minutes. Oh well, another 5k in the books.

The 2018 event took place August 12 at 7 am. The temps were in the high 60's but it was humid and sunny.

Registration: Starting around $50 online, increased as race day neared and closed a few days before the race. Included with registration is a gender specific, school specific, short sleeve tech shirt; bib with timing chip, name & school logo, finisher medal, post race beer, post race sausage, post race tailgate. No race day registration.

*Virtual event bags were sent with a few offers from race sponsors. I tried to get one to work with no luck, even with a call the brand.

Packet pickup/Expo: There was no true expo for this race. Packet pickup was held at Road Runner Sports multiple times starting days before. No race day pickup. Someone else could pick up your packet. You could also have it mailed to you for an additional fee.
*Wearing your race shirt during the race is common for this.

Pre-race: The race festivities were moved back to Soldier Field, so parking was available for around $20 or you could take public transportation. There were lots of port-o-potties and gear check was available. There was music and announcements on the loud speakers. Only 4 corrals were set up, and participants were encouraged to start lining up at 6:30. Each person had their corral letter on their bibs. They did say they would close corrals.

Mascots and cheerleaders were at the starting line, along with the emcee Bill Murray. However, I heard nothing in my corral, I am not sure if there was a National Anthem. We just kept moving towards the start, where we could finally hear the jokes coming from Bill Murray.

* There was a "weather alert" message sent to participants via email and posted on the web about the race day temps & humidity.

Race/ Course: With the change of venue, the course was basically and out and back, south on the Lake Front Path, with a small portion on the road, and an avoidance of the McCormick Tunnel.
-Terrain: paved surface, with a small gravel trail next to the path. The edge between these parts were uneven.
-Course: all miles were marked, there were clocks at spots with the start time. here were also signs marking an event taking place. While the course was closed to vehicular traffic, the lake front path is never closed, there were a lot of bikes, making it extra crowded. The out and back nature of the course also made parts very crowded, my corral started when the lead pack was coming back.
-Aid Stations: There were man Aid Stations. Each had Gatorade Endurance and water. They were in different cups.
-Spectators: there were a few spectators, but mostly for family & friends
-Volunteers: There seemed to be a volunteer every where you looked, the aid stations, intersections, finish line.
-Elevation: flat!
-I didn't see any port-o-potties on course, but not sure you need one for a 10k
-Photographers: FREE race pictures, posted quickly. However, I only saw them at the finish line.
-Bonus: slip n side on course
-Scenery: Nice lake views and cityscape

Finish: The timing mats were out and an arch was set up. Once across the finish line there were bottles of water and a volunteer handed you a medal. Then there were bottles of Gatorade, and a small protein bar. Also in the finish area was the post race stage with announcements and a backdrop for finisher photos - with a super long line.

There were tickets on the bib to redeem a post race sausage and beer. These tents were off to the side, but with the HUGE parking lot, there was room to spread out.

Post Race: There was a lot to do. Awards were handed out on a stage in between a live band performing. The post race is a tailgate. There was an area with the bag toss game. The B1G championship trophy was there to take pictures with. Free samples from other vendors too. Each school had a tent, but swag was up to each school.

*I found out each school provides something different. I am an Iowa Hawkeye, my school had koozies, schedule magnets, and posters. Other schools didn't have as much. I am thinking this is due to the fact that geographically my school can drive in a lot of swag, while others have to fly. This stuff is provided by the school and not the race. However, this year there were no props or fun things for photos.

My race: I had no goal for this race, I just know how much fun it is and I knew I would be meeting friends. I lined up in the corral and waited until it was my turn to start... about 20 minutes later. I did think the announcer really sucked, and then when I got close realized it was Bill Murray, LOL

This was my fourth year running this, The first time I ran this, it started/finished at the Soldier Field location. I didn't care for it. Then it moved near Grant Park and they stretched all the festivities out, including lots of corrals with wide streets. The lake front path is too narrow for this race. There were only 4 corrals and when my corral started, we had to share the path with the lead pack that was returning. It was hard to find a spot to run. I never felt it spaced out until we ran a section on the road. I am happy that McCormick Tunnel was not in the course.

I came across the finish line with a time of 1:07.

Overall: I really like this race, however I feel like this year was an after thought. I know the race is under new management, and all the things you expect for a great race were there. That being said, I knew this race had something extra to offer and those were missing - no school specific charms or ribbons on the medals, crowded lake front path, no school fight songs, and no photo opps at the tents - which I also feel is why the post race shut down quickly. I did like the school logo on the bib and my Hawkeye shirt was gold and not yellow!

GO HAWKS!!

The 2018 event took place Friday June 15 at 6 PM. The race started just after a rain storm had passed through, the sun came back out and was around 70 and sunny, humidity started dropping.

Registration: This was available online starting at $35, and increasing to $45 until the 2000 registration was capped. I was participating as part of the Great Grandma's Challenge, as I was running the marathon the next day. Included with the registration was a bib, electronic timing, short sleeve gender specific technical shirt and fitsoks. As part of the challenge, you got a tote and an insulated tumbler/coozie.

Packet pick-up: According the rules on the website, you needed to bring your wavier with you (electronically was fine) or someone could pick up your stuff with a signed wavier. Pick up was located in the back of the expo hall with pickup for the other races. 5k runners needed to pick up their bibs by 5pm. Warnings were posted to be aware of heavy traffic patterns, as the parking situation traffic is a nightmare at this time of day.

Pre-race: There was parking available near the start/finish for $5. Due to the congested area, plan ahead. or park downtown Duluth and walk over. Real toilets were available at the convention center. Runners milled about near the "big red boat" or the William A Irvin, the freighter stationed in the harbor (to which the race is named after.) There was a lot of things going on near the start area, Clif had samples and a brewery was giving beer samples. There were announcements and music over the loud speaker, encouraged to line up according to the pace signs. Then National Anthem was performed live.

Race /Course: A loop around the Canal Park area.
-Terrain: it was all paved, however we were detoured around some rain puddles so that put us on the boardwalk along the lake. Typical potholes in some areas.
-Scenery: Start by the freighter, loop a little bit south to see some industry, but get to run the last mile along the lake shore.
-Course Markings: I was never confused as to which way to go, puddles were marked with volunteers. (Can't remember if miles were marked) closed to traffic
-Spectators: quite a few people cheering everyone on
-Aid Station: one around the 2 mile mark, I didn't stop
-Volunteers: plenty and always felt safe on the course
-Photography: can't recall anyone taking photos - never got an email they were available, but immediately received a finisher certificate and finisher video.
-Elevation: flat, no hills

Finish / post race: The inflatable arch clearly marked the finish along with a clock and timing mat. A volunteer handed you a finisher's medal. Chocolate milk, water, clif bars, and a variety of Old Dutch chips. Not a huge post race as the expo and events are still happening at the DECC.

Overall: It's a nice event to add to the weekend if you are in town. It would be a hard event to do as a stand alone as the logistics are a headache, unless you can get there early to not have to worry about getting your bib or parking on time. The price is a little steep, but you get a finisher's medal.

My Race: With the marathon the next day, I was not racing, but it was a shakeout. My usual 5k goal is sub 30. I was impressed with the new 5k route as I ran it in 2015, I like the portion where we get to run along the lake. I did find it funny all the people that avoided the puddles.... it's just water. I finished with a time near 30:15.